Traveling can sometimes make you feel like you have a target on your back. Tourists are being profiled like never before. While often harmless, this profiling can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.
Harmless Profiling
For instance, I recently visited a café in Rio de Janeiro. Before I could say “Bom dia,” a server handed me two menus – in English. How did she know? No matter how hard I try, I look like an American and smile like an American, so naturally, I get the English menu.
For insights on becoming a better traveler, check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn’t want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies. But keep it to yourself!
When Profiling Turns Dangerous
In some cases, being identified as a tourist can have serious consequences. The U.S. State Department has warned that numerous U.S. citizens have fallen victim to dating scams in Colombia, sometimes resulting in serious harm or even death.
“U.S. citizens should definitely use caution while traveling and try their best not to stick out or be profiled as American while abroad,” advises John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, an air medical transport program for travelers.
While there are no official statistics on the number of foreign tourists profiled or harmed abroad, increasing State Department warnings and travelers’ stories suggest the problem is worsening.
The Annoying Side of Profiling
Most profiling is more of an annoyance than a danger. For example, Ellie Blake felt pressured to buy souvenirs during her tour of Japan. “Our tour guide took us to a museum shop, which was a much longer stop compared to other sites,” she said. Locals would often ask, “What did you buy?” urging them to purchase more souvenirs.
Blake believes tour guides added these shopping breaks because they perceived her group as affluent Americans. I had a similar experience on a coastal cruise in Japan where land tours often ended at businesses selling expensive art.
Tips to Avoid Being Targeted
Resist the temptation to buy souvenirs. Choose tours that prioritize attractions over shopping. Always ask about shopping opportunities before booking a tour.
Scary Profiling Experiences
Sometimes, profiling can be more intimidating. Ariel Figg experienced this when she booked a last-minute tour in the Dominican Republic. Guides detoured to a village gift store, pressuring her to buy local artwork. When she refused and offered a tip, the guides scoffed, saying Americans should pay more.
I had a similarly uncomfortable experience in Santiago, Chile, where a server pressured me to tip by entering an amount in front of her with no option for “no tip.”
Profiling Can Turn Deadly
“Americans have been targeted overseas by criminals and sometimes by dishonest businesses, simply for being Americans,” explains Michael O’Rourke, CEO of Advanced Operational Concepts, a security consulting firm. This is partly due to the perception that all Americans are rich, thanks to Hollywood.
Though rarely leading to death, experts warn that profiling can result in forceful encounters. In remote areas, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings.
A few years ago in a Turkish village, I was followed by a group of young men who identified me as American. I quickly returned to the town square for safety.
The Upside of Being Recognized
“Profiling is not always negative,” says Thomas Swick, author of “Falling into Place: A Story of Love, Poland, and the Making of a Travel Writer.” In Vietnam in the early 1990s, students would approach Swick to practice their English, leading to mutually beneficial conversations.
Strategies to Avoid Profiling
Dress Down: Avoid clothing that screams “American,” like USA T-shirts or political apparel. Wear muted colors and avoid hoodies.
Mind Your Manners: Kitty Werner, a former airline reservation agent, notes that etiquette can quickly reveal your nationality. In places like the Middle East or Japan, casual attire is a dead giveaway.
Keep Quiet: “Many tourists are too loud,” says Harding Bush, associate director of security for Global Rescue. “Be mindful of your volume and avoid drawing attention to yourself.”
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of being profiled and enjoy a safer, more pleasant travel experience.